In downtown Manhattan, there has been a series mysterious disappearances including that of the wife of a police captain. in the area. Extending his search into the tunnels and sewers below the city streets, it soon becomes clear that something monstrous underground and that it won’t stay there much longer…

At first, the disappearances were among “undergrounders,” the homeless who find shelter in the underground tunnels of New York City. The authorities didn’t really care until it those of a higher class also began to disappear. We see a monster arm reaching out of a steaming manhole to grab a woman out walking her little dog and this is what the scene for what follows.

Bosch (Christopher Curry), a police captain becomes involved when his wife disappears, and he goes to talk to A.J. (Daniel Stern) who runs a soup kitchen and who also reported that twelve of his regular undergrounders are missing. The two men team up, explore the tunnels and they discover evidence that the city already knows what’s going on here. A.J. and Bosch threaten to go to the media if they are not told what’s what. There is obviously some kind of cover-up.

George Cooper (John Heard), a prominent fashion photographer would rather be seen as a real artist. He knows that art cannot be rushed and has been working on a series of photos of the city’s homeless, but has had trouble getting in touch with some of his subjects. He becomes involved in the monster business when a homeless contact tries to steal a cop’s gun for protection against the underground monster. She makes Cooper her one phone call from jail and therefore the cops want to know what his deal is.

A.J. is a citizen who takes care of the poor and elderly and he blames the authorities for not helping the situation. He risks his life going into the sewers to get people out before the city gases them along with the chuds. The city may be unforgiving, but the city dwellers do care about each other.

The film has become a sort of iconic cult classic even though there is nothing particularly special about it.

Bonus Materials include:Brand new restoration from original film elementsHigh Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the Integral Cut from a new 2K film transferHigh Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the Original Theatrical Cut [Limited Edition Exclusive]Original Uncompressed PCM Mono Audio / Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearingAudio commentary by director Douglas Cheek, writer Shepard Abbott, and actors John Heard, Daniel Stern and Christopher CurryA Dirty Look- an interview with production designer William BilowitDweller Designs – an interview with special make-up effects and creature creator John Caglione, Jr.Notes from Above Ground: The NYC Locations of C.H.U.D. – featurette hosted by journalist Michael Gingold and filmmaker Ted GeogheganBrand new audio track featuring isolated score selections and an interview with composers Martin Cooper and David A. HughesBehind-the-Scenes GalleryExtended Shower SceneOriginal Theatrical TrailerReversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Dan MumfordFully illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Michael Gingold